I need to replace my cracked dashboard from my 1990 325i. My plan is to obtain a clean dash from a junked car and go through the process replacing. Has anyone done this? I was wondering how difficult this process is, what kinds of tools I need and how much time a non mechanic like me will need to finish. Any comments would be appreciated.

Boy that tutorial (with pictures) on removing the dash is really a nice bit of information to have. Question: Do you have a similar tutorial on how to replace the carpet? It looks to me like the dash has to come out to do the carpet, plus a bunch more stuff. At least it looks to me like a bunch more stuff has to come out if you don't want to cut the carpet out. The part of the carpet that is at the front of the trans tunnel is "trapped" by a bunch of stuff (heater box?) on top of it. I have a new carpet coming (from the dealer) and I would like to install it without cutting it if not too big a project. However, everyone that I have talked to on this subject says "cut it". -Dave 1987 325ic "one owner -me"

ctim

09-13-2005 08:17 PM

wow, that looks like quite a project. nice in depth tutorial however.

Bimrpwr

09-14-2005 07:55 AM

I dont know the steps for the carpet and i check this website which is very helpful. If it was me i would not cut the old one out, i would do it right and remove it and put the new in , but that is just me.

oi replaced the carpet in my 86 325e and all i had to remove was the center console.
taking the original out isnt a great idea unless u got alot of time and money cause the padding under the carpet is a good 4 inchest thick and has alot dif shape, i looked for replacement padding but couldent find any. if u get relly lucky u might find some good padding in a junk yard but when i went every 325 had the sunroof removed and wet interior from rain.

PuebloPete

09-18-2005 10:22 PM

powellsd... very nice tip on that website... thanks. :thumbup:

HoffmeisterKink

09-23-2005 08:23 PM

I did the dash replacement awhile back (http://www.nvo.com/themaus/dashreplacement/). Took some photos of the horror. I spent the good part of a labor day weekend working on it. Taking everything apart was easy, putting everything back together just right is a major PIA that takes time and patience and some muscle. Here's some tips:

1. Do it when the temperature is above 65-degrees F. This will let you bend and flex the pieces into place without worrying about new cracks.
2. Tape and label all the wires. If you have a digital camera, take pictures of everything as you disassemble. That way you can have a reference in case you forget about where something goes while you're putting everything back in.
3. While you have everything out, replace all the little indicator bulbs in your gauge cluster and OBC. Replacements can be bought at Bavarian Autosport.

Good Luck!

e6figueroa

09-24-2005 09:40 PM

oh boy

i put a brand new dash on my baby in 102 degree weather and i took 6 hours, nearly got heat stroke. i wish i had a tutorial, just trial and error. thank go thats over. good luck man.

Thamp7

10-05-2009 07:27 AM

Dashboard

Where can I find a replacement dashboard...new preferably?

claver

10-05-2009 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thamp7
(Post 4574916)

Where can I find a replacement dashboard...new preferably?

replacement, u might wanna check ur local junk yard, u may get lucky and find a good one with no cracks very cheap.

New on the other hand u can only get it at the dearlership, and runs at $1000+ as they make it with a new kind of material,

For what it's worth, the pictures don't display in "native" Firefox. However, they do show in Internet Explorer, or using a Firefox extension called IE Tab.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoffmeisterKink
(Post 1341636)

I did the dash replacement awhile back (http://www.nvo.com/themaus/dashreplacement/). Took some photos of the horror. I spent the good part of a labor day weekend working on it. Taking everything apart was easy, putting everything back together just right is a major PIA that takes time and patience and some muscle. Here's some tips:

1. Do it when the temperature is above 65-degrees F. This will let you bend and flex the pieces into place without worrying about new cracks.
2. Tape and label all the wires. If you have a digital camera, take pictures of everything as you disassemble. That way you can have a reference in case you forget about where something goes while you're putting everything back in.
3. While you have everything out, replace all the little indicator bulbs in your gauge cluster and OBC. Replacements can be bought at Bavarian Autosport.

Good Luck!

I had a question about a recommended temperature setting for this job, and you answered it. Thanks.